Colon Cancer Surgery in Arlington, TX
Colon surgery in Arlington, TX, may be recommended for patients with colon cancer, bowel obstruction, severe inflammation, or other conditions affecting the large intestine. Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may involve removing a diseased portion of the colon, reconnecting healthy sections, or creating an ostomy when necessary.
Dr. Rajesh S. Padmanabhan evaluates patients who may need colon resection surgery and explains the available procedures, possible risks, and expected recovery based on their individual condition.
Colon Surgery in Arlington, TX: Types of Surgical Procedures
There are different types of colon cancer surgeries that can be performed at different stages of the colon cancer.
Patients that have been diagnosed with colon cancer may under tests to determine the stage of the cancer. The stage of the cancer will determine the most appropriate type of surgery that will be performed.
The tests that may be performed include imaging procedures such as abdominal, pelvic, and chest CT scans.
The stages of colon cancer range from stage 0 to IV. The first stage or the early stage indicates that the cancer is limited to the lining of the inside of the colon. Cancer will continue to advance through the other stages until they attains the most advanced stage which is stage IV.
At this stage, cancer has spread to other areas of the body and becomes more difficult to curtail.
Surgery for early-stage colon cancer
If your colon cancer is at its early stage, minimally invasive surgeries are commonly recommended. Minimally invasive surgical procedures for early-stage colon cancer include:
Depending on the stage and location of colon cancer, treatment may involve removing cancerous polyps during colonoscopy or surgically removing the affected portion of the colon. The American Cancer Society provides an overview of the different surgical approaches used to treat colon cancer.
Removing polyps during a colonoscopy (polypectomy)
At the very early stage, your cancer is usually small, localized, and completely contained within a polyp. Your doctor or surgeon may be able to completely remove the cancerous polyp during a colonoscopy in Arlington, TX. This procedure is known as polypectomy.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection
This procedure involves the removal of larger polyps during colonoscopy and also a small amount of the inner lining of the colon.
Laparoscopic Colon Resection
Laparoscopic colon resection is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to view the inside of the colon and also remove the cancerous part of the colon.
During a laparoscopic colon resection, a laparoscope (a tiny flexible tube connected to a video camera) is passed through small incisions made on your abdomen. Your surgeon views your colon on a monitor screen.
Your surgeon also places instruments inside your abdomen to cut away the cancerous part of your colon.
Laparoscopic colon resection uses this minimal-invasive approach for removing cancerous tissue in your colon and lymph nodes.
Surgery for more advanced colon cancer
Colon surgery in Arlington, TX, may involve a partial colectomy when cancer extends into or through the colon wall or when another condition requires removal of diseased bowel. The operation depends on the location and extent of the disease, lymph node involvement, and the patient’s overall health. Some patients may also need additional treatment after surgery.
Partial colectomy
This surgery involves the removal of the part of your colon that contains cancer along with a small portion of normal tissue on either side of the cancerous colon. When the part of the colon that contains the cancer is removed, the healthy parts of your colon or rectum are reattached.
Total colectomy
This surgery involves the total removal of the entire colon. Total colectomy is rarely required for colon cancer treatment.
It may be required in certain cases such as if there’s another problem in the part of the colon without cancer, like hundreds of polyps in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Colostomy
This is a surgery that may be done when it is impossible to reconnect the healthy parts of your colon or when your entire colon is removed.
This surgery is done to create a way for waste to leave your body. This surgery involves creating an opening in the wall of your abdomen for the evacuation of stool into a bag that is fitted securely over the opening created in the wall of your abdomen.
This procedure may be performed temporarily to allow your colon or rectum heals after a partial colectomy. In rare cases, it may be permanent.
Colon Surgery in Arlington, TX With Dr. Rajesh S. Padmanabhan
Colon surgery may be recommended when part of the colon needs to be removed because of cancer, obstruction, severe inflammation, or another condition that cannot be managed without surgery.
Rajesh S. Padmanabhan, MD, FACS is a board-certified general surgeon serving patients in Arlington, Texas. His practice includes abdominal and gastrointestinal surgery as part of comprehensive general surgical care.
Depending on the diagnosis and location of the problem, surgery may involve removing only the affected section of the colon or performing a more extensive resection. When appropriate, minimally invasive surgical techniques may be considered.
Dr. Padmanabhan evaluates each patient individually and discusses the recommended procedure, expected recovery, possible need for a temporary or permanent ostomy, and what to expect after surgery.
If you have been diagnosed with a colon condition that may require surgery or have been referred for a surgical opinion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajesh S. Padmanabhan in Arlington, TX.
If the colon is blocked
The cancer can block your colon. This usually happens slowly over time. When this happens, a stent may be placed in the colon before surgery is done.
A stent is a hollow expandable metal tube that is placed inside the colon to keep the colon open. The stent is placed through a small opening using a colonoscope.
In rare cases whereby the stent can’t be placed or if cancer has caused a hole in your colon, surgery may be required immediately.
A partial or total colectomy may be required to remove the part of the colon with cancer or the entire colon.
What Is Recovery Like After Colon Surgery in Arlington, TX?
Recovery varies depending on whether surgery is performed laparoscopically or through an open incision, how much of the colon is removed, and whether complications occur. Patients may gradually resume walking, eating, and daily activities according to their surgical team’s instructions. Returning to normal routines can take several weeks, while full recovery may take longer after more complex operations.
Is a colon resection a major surgery?
Yes, colon resection is a major surgery. It is the surgical removal of parts or all of your colon. It could take up to 4 hours for the surgery to be completed.
How dangerous is colon surgery?
Colon surgery carries some risks and complications just like every other invasive surgery. Risks and complications can be greatly minimized if the surgery is done by a board-certified highly specialized surgeon. The risks and complications that could occur during and after a colon surgery include:
- Leakage between the sections of your colon that were attached together
- Bleeding in your intestines
- Breaking open of the incisions
- Infection
- Injury or damage to your bladder, ureter, or blood vessels
- Incision hernia (When your intestines push through the incision into your belly)
- Scar tissue that forms an intestinal blockage
The mortality rate of colon cancer surgery is 2% to 6% depending on the stage of the colon cancer.
Can you live a normal life without a colon?
People can live a normal life without a colon. However, they will likely need to wear a bag outside their body for the evacuation of stool. A surgical procedure known as colostomy will be performed to create an opening in the abdominal wall to collect stool.
An alternative surgery may also be performed to create a pouch in the small intestine that replaces the colon. In this case, a colostomy is not necessary.
What foods should you avoid after colon surgery?
The foods that you should avoid include nuts, seeds, chunky peanut butter, tough meats, undercooked meats, uncooked fish, fried foods, fast foods, beans, peas, hot dogs, sausage, strong flavored cheeses, coconut, raisins, and desserts with nuts or raisins.
What happens after colon surgery?
After colon surgery, you will feel some level of pain. You may need to take pain medicines for a few days to relieve the pain. You may not be able to eat solid foods for the first few weeks. You may only be allowed to drink certain types of liquids for the first week.
You may gradually change your diets from liquids to semi-solids, and then to solids, as you recover. You may only be allowed to eat solid foods in the 4th week after your surgery. During this time, you must have recovered fully.
Need a Surgical Opinion for a Colon Condition in Arlington, TX?
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, a bowel obstruction, or another condition that may require colon surgery, Dr. Rajesh S. Padmanabhan, MD, FACS can review your diagnosis and discuss the surgical options that may be appropriate for you.
Schedule a consultation with DRP Surgery in Arlington, TX to discuss colon resection, minimally invasive surgery, recovery expectations, and your next steps.
